While Stephen also reports Dan Haren and Hyun-Jin Ryu will be prepared to pitch, having Kershaw and Greinke start the first two games is a no-brainer. The Dodgers would then have seven days before their next game against the San Diego Padres on March 30, making it likely Kershaw starter would be able to start on Opening Day in San Diego.

Kershaw had a rough finish to the 2013 season, but the unquestioned leader of the pitching staff, who’s fresh off having signed a new contract, has taken the mound for the Dodgers on Opening Day in two of the last three seasons, defeating the San Francisco Giants both times. On any other team, Greinke would lead the staff and the Dodgers have the luxury of having him slot behind their ace.

The Dodgers and Diamondbacks have a heated relationship, which dates back to last season’s brawl and pool celebration and the first two games of the season project to be intense.

About The Author

Matt is a journalist from Whittier, California. A Cal State Long Beach graduate, Matthew occasionally contributes to Lakers Nation, and previously served as the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Football. You can follow Matt on Twitter @mmoreno1015